While these herbs are known to have benefits for supporting a healthy pregnancy, remember that if you’re pregnant you should always consult with your healthcare provider before using herbal medicine, as some herbs may have adverse effects on your pregnancy. Yes, these herbs to support a healthy pregnancy are proven safe, but please discuss with your doctor first.
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herbs to support a healthy pregnancy
Herbs have been used to treat and cure illnesses since the dawn of time. Only within the last 200 years did we turn to man-made medicine to cure us of our ailments.
Modern medicines are considerably more dangerous than herbs, especially during pregnancy. Many medicines have not been tested on pregnant women but are still recommonded by doctors. Herbal medicine is 100% natural, more affordable, and has fewer side effects. In my opinion, our Mother Earth created everything we need to survive and be healthy.
1. ginger
Ginger is a miraculous herb for your overall health, as well as during pregnancy. Ginger is well-known for fightng morning sickness during the first trimester, but boy oh boy does it do so much more!
Not only does ginger help strengthen your immune when you’re sick, it also aids in digestion. For pregnant women a slow digestive tract happens due to the increase in hormones. To avoid excessive bloating and gas, incorporate fresh ginger root into your diet daily. I slice a 1 inch piece of ginger and simmer it in water for 15-20 before bedtime.
Additionally, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which plays a significant role in reducing swelling that commonly occurs during the third trimester.
One on the lesser known effects of ginger is that is helps to calm your mind and body, allowing you to feel less stressed during pregnancy. Stress harms all the systems in the body, and during pregnancy you don’t need any added stress.
Always use fresh ginger root, not dried. Fresh ginger root should be available at your local grocery store.
2. Cranberry
The use of cranberry during pregnancy is especially important to prevent urinary tract infections. UTIs are common during pregnancy and can lead to pre-term births, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction.
Eating fresh cranberries or drinking pure (not from concentrate) cranberry juice is the healthiest option. Cranberry is safe to consume daily during pregnancy.
Remember cranberry is excellent at preventing a UTI but they can’t treat a UTI. Always seek medicial advice if you think you may have a UTI during pregnancy.
3. garlic
1-2 cloves of garlic should be eaten daily, especially during pregnancy. In order to receive all the benefits of garlic, it must be eaten raw. Cooking garlic may add flavor to your food, but once garlic is cooked the acillin (the enzyme that makes garlic so incredible) is killed. Dead. Gone.
Rather than cooking garlic with your food, add fresh minced, chopped, or grated garlic to your food once it is done cooking. Personally, I prefer it raw – the flavor is better and you know you’re giving your body all the amazing benefits.
Did you know garlic is linked to longevity? Garlic contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, boosts your immune system, and lowers blood pressure. Monitoring your blood pressure is incredibly important during pregnancy. High blood pressure can increase your risk of pre-term birth, preeclampsia, and cesarean birth.
4. Raspberry Leaf
Raspberry leaf should be taken at 37 weeks of pregnancy. If taken sooner, raspberry leaf may soften your cervix and induce labor.
Raspberry leaf helps to reduce nasuea and strengthen the uterus. In addition, raspberry leaf is associated with shorter labor times. Who wouldn’t love that?!
It is recommended to drink 1 cup of raspberry leaf tea per day. Ripe & Ready Tea by Birds & Bees Teas is a great choice. It can be purchased directly through Amazon if you follow this link.
To ensure you have a safe and healthy pregnancy, I encourage you to speak with your OB-GYN or midwife before using raspberry leaf. Many women are advised against using raspberry leaf for several reasons, such as if they’re having twins, are planning a c-section birth, or have a history of high blood pressure.
5. peppermint
If you’ve been a victim of the infamous pregnancy heartburn – peppermint will be your new best friend! Not only does peppermint help with heartburn, peppermint also eases nausea, calms your mind and body, and aids in digestion (bloating and gas).
Peppermint tea is caffeine-free and 1 cup daily is safe to drink.
Peppermint is believed to decrease breastmilk supply when nursing, so avoid peppermint if you are planning to breastfeed.
6. rosehip
Rosehip is commonly used in tea, oil, lotions, and balms – and all have added benefits during pregnancy!
Rosehip tea helps to boost the immune system, control blood sugar, improve skin appearance, and help with digestion. Ask your OB-GYN or midwife about how many cups of rosehip tea is recommended during pregnancy before use.
Rosehip oil can be used topically to prevent new stretch marks from forming. Rosehip oil is great to use during a perineal massage. If you aren’t aware, at 35 weeks pregnant, you or your partner performing perineal massages will help prevent tearing during delivery.
7. thyme
If you’re feeling the onset of a cold, or are congested, thyme works miracles at thinning mucus and fighting bacterial and fungal infections fast.
Pregnant women are much more susceptible to becoming sick. With the body focusing all its energy on baby, the immune system suffers and isn’t as strong as before. However, with the right herbs, such as garlic, ginger, and thyme – your body will be able to fight viruses and bacteria much quicker.
Simply add a little fresh or dried thyme to your meals to easily get the benefits. Easy peasy!
8. green tea
Another wonderful herb that’s linked to longevity, green tea contains numerous vitamins and nutrients to keep you healthy during pregnancy.
Green tea helps to control weight gain, lower cholesterol, relieve stress, and help with mood swings.
Green tea contains caffeine; therefore, you need to be mindful of your caffeine consumption if you’re also drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages daily. Green tea contains between 30-50 mg of caffeine. The recommended amount is less than 200 mg per day.
herbal medicine: PROVEN HERBS TO SUPPORT A HEALTHY PREGNANY
Herbal medicine is important for your health and should be taken just as seriously as modern medicine. Herbs offer countless benefits, but because the use of herbs during pregnancy isn’t a focus of study, it’s difficult to know what is and isn’t safe. You can safely use these herbs to support a healthy pregnancy, but I understand if you may be reluctant to try them.
If you have any thoughts on these herbs or any others that I missed let me know. I’m always eager to learn more about the wonders of herbal medicine.
Disclaimer – these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Remember to always consult with your doctor or primary care physician before taking any new medical advice. If you are pregnant or nursing discuss with your doctor before use.
herbs to support a healthy pregnancy:
- Fresh Ginger Root
- Cranberry (Fresh or Pure, Unsweetened Juice)
- Raw Garlic
- Raspberry Leaf
- Peppermint
- Rosehip
- Thyme
- Green Tea
